Select committee hears submissions on bill proposing to ease creation of council Māori wards
The council is made up of two Māori seats and 12 general seats. “It’s only been of benefit to our council...it’s increased our ability to work with iwi.” She said in the latest review held last year, “it was fully supported with council”. Mahuta said the idea of “meritocracy”, where she could win purely on her merits in a rural Waikato constituency simply wouldn’t have worked for her. “They are farming, they don’t vote for me, but they really like me anyway seven years later.” Waikato District Council Waikato regional councillor Tipa Mahuta. (file) Former Nationa...
Source: stuff.co.nz